NJDOE News

Students from Sewell and Monroe Township Selected for 2008 National Youth Science Camp

High school students from Sewell and Monroe Township have been selected as New Jersey’s delegates for the 2008 National Youth Science Camp this summer in West Virginia.

Brighid Burgin, a senior at Clearview Regional High School in Gloucester County; and Anthony Leontiev, a senior at Monroe Township High School in Middlesex County, will be attending the four-week camp in Charleston, West Virginia, beginning on June 29. Now in its 45th year, the secondary science program is dedicated to honor, reward and encourage excellence in science.

“Science and the need for talented, knowledgeable people to work in science-related fields is a paramount concern in our society,” said Commissioner of Education Lucille E. Davy. “Brighid and Anthony are excellent choices to represent our state at the National Youth Science Camp, and we wish them the best for a successful experience.”

New Jersey’s delegates were selected by a Department of Education review committee from a field of applicants who submitted an essay on the theme of why they wanted to attend the camp. The National Youth Science Camp’s academic program is complemented by an outdoor recreation program that takes advantage of the camp’s location in the Monongahela National Forest.

In her application letter, Brighid stated her commitment to be “a driving force establishing the sciences as a highly desirable career option for women…Following my interests in mathematics, science and public service, I intend to earn my undergraduate degree in chemical engineering with a concentration in public policy, and later earn my graduate degree in environmental law.”

Anthony, who was born in Kiev, Ukraine, comes from a family of mathematics majors who he says have constantly challenged him intellectually. In his application letter, Anthony stated his lifelong interest in using math and logic in various types of computer applications.

“My passion for creation continues to expand, and I am always eager to participate in any program that will fuel my desire to learn,” he wrote.

Brighid is ranked third in her senior class of 379 students at Clearview. She is completing a full honors course load with five total AP courses taken in her junior and senior years. She was captain of Clearview’s girl’s varsity swimming team.

In addition, Brighid is an 11-year veteran of the Girl Scouts, is an officer in her school’s Student Council, National Honor Society and Key Club, and is involved in many other school and community clubs and functions. Her educational enrichment experiences include participation last summer in the New Jersey Governor’s School of Engineering and Technology.

By the time Alex graduates from Monroe Township High School, he will have completed eight AP courses. He is captain of his school’s Mathletes Club and is involved in many other school activities, including participation in music (choirs) and sports (tennis, track, soccer).

Alex also participated last summer in the New Jersey’s Governor’s School of Engineering and Technology. In his community, Alex makes time to volunteer service to the Monroe Township Library and to the “SchoolPlus” Russian Summer Camp.

Established in 1963, the National Youth Science Camp annually hosts two student delegates from each state and from the District of Columbia. The 102 delegates exchange ideas with leading scientists and other professionals from the academic and corporate worlds on topics such as the fate of the rain forests, robotics, fractal geometry and the human genome project. Delegates also present seminars covering their own areas of interest and research.

The state also selects four alternates for the program. This year’s alternates are: Erica Che of Ridge High School, Basking Ridge; Caitlin Williams, of Columbia High School, South Orange / Maplewood; Jason Klein of Cherry Hill High School East; and Esther Hur, of Burlington Township High School.

For more information, call the Office of Public Information at 609-292-1126 or visit the National Youth Science Camp online at: